Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft may have just ended, but it’s never too early to make grand proclamations about this year’s class.
Below, we offer four statements and assess whether they’re true or false.
Statement: New York won Round 1
The New York Giants and New York Jets combined for five picks, and each added players who could be immediate starters. While the Jets passed on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese for Texas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey, the 2025 first-team All-Big Ten selection was taken three spots later by the Giants at No. 5.
Bailey, who had 14.5 sacks last season, will help the Jets’ pass rush, and they also improved their offensive skill positions by adding the top tight end in the class, Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 after moving into the back end of the round by sending No. 33 and No. 179 to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Giants, meanwhile, took lineman Francis Mauigoa with their second first-round selection (No. 10), improving quarterback Jaxson Dart’s protection after the 2025 rookie dealt with a concerning number of injuries last season. | TRUE
Statement: Arizona Cardinals made the right call taking running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3
Faced with a mountain of needs, Arizona elected for a commodity in Love, viewed by many as the best prospect in the 2026 class. We’re old enough to remember similar praise handed to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. two seasons ago, and that hasn’t exactly turned out well for the Cardinals.
Love’s signing feels a lot like the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 last season. Like Las Vegas in 2025, Arizona is in no position to put its star running back in the best position to succeed heading into his rookie year. With only seat warmers Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew at quarterback and a subpar offensive line, Love may not have many open running lanes, dulling his immediate impact. | FALSE
Statement: The end is near for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford
Los Angeles were responsible for a draft stunner, taking quarterback Ty Simpson, who some questioned whether he’d be a first-round pick, at No. 13. While certainly not a threat to challenge 2025 MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford for the starting role this season, his selection raises questions about the veteran quarterback beyond 2026, the final year of his contract.
But earlier this week, Rams general manager discussed an extension, sharing, “Progress has been made” and that he didn’t “expect any drama.”